Much Ado About You: Essex Sisters, Book 1

Witty, orphaned Tess Essex faces her duty: marry well and marry quickly, so she can arrange matches for her three sisters. But just when she begins to think that all might end well, one of her sisters bolts with a horse-mad young lord, and her own fiancé just plain runs away. Which leaves Tess contemplating marriage to the sort of man she wishes to avoid - one of London's most infamous rakes. Tess consents to marry him, but it may be for the worst reason of all. Absurd as she knows it to be, she may have fallen utterly in love....

Desperate Duchesses

Welcome to a world of reckless sensuality and glittering sophistication, of dangerously handsome gentlemen and young ladies longing to gain a title, of games played for high stakes, including - on occasion - a lady's virtue. A marquess's sheltered only daughter, Lady Roberta St. Giles, falls in love with a man she glimpses across a crowded ballroom: a duke, a game player of consummate skill, a notorious rakehell who shows no interest in marriage, until he lays eyes on Roberta.

Three Weeks with Lady X: Desperate Duchesses

Having made a fortune, Thorn Dautry, the powerful bastard son of a duke, decides that he needs a wife. But to marry a lady, Thorn must acquire a gleaming, civilized facade, the specialty of Lady Xenobia India. Exquisite, headstrong, and independent, India vows to make Thorn marriageable in just three weeks. But neither Thorn nor India anticipate the forbidden passion that explodes between them. Thorn will stop at nothing to make India his. Failure is not an option.

Duchess in Love

Gina was forced into marriage with the Duke of Girton at an age when she'd have been better off in a schoolroom than a ballroom. Directly after the ceremony, her handsome spouse promptly fled to the continent, leaving the marriage unconsummated and Gina quite indignant. Now, she is one of the most well-known ladies in London... living on the edge of scandal - desired by many men, but resisting giving herself to any one. Finally, Camden, the Duke of Girton, has returned home, to discover that his naÏve bride has blossomed into the toast of the town.

An Offer from a Gentleman

Sophie Beckett never dreamed she'd be able to sneak into Lady Bridgerton's famed masquerade ball - or that Prince Charming would be waiting there for her! Though the daughter of an earl, Sophie has been relegated to the role of servant by her disdainful stepmother. But now, spinning in the strong arms of the debonair and devastatingly handsome Benedict Bridgerton, she feels like royalty. Alas, she knows all enchantments must end when the clock strikes midnight.

Once Upon a Tower

As an extremely wealthy laird, Gowan Stoughton, Duke of Kinross, can have any of the maidens at the ball he attends. The only problem is they are all English and Gowan is not so certain they are suitable. He is accustomed to the hard-working lasses from his Highlands, not these dainty noblewomen who spend their days drinking tea or some other such nonsense. But then he makes the acquaintance of Lady Edith Gilchrist. Utterly bewitched by the emerald-eyed beauty with lush golden locks, he knows he must have her.

The Ugly Duchess

How can she dare to imagine he loves her... when all London calls her The Ugly Duchess? Theodora Saxby is the last woman anyone expects the gorgeous James Ryburn, heir to the Duchy of Ashbrook, to marry. But after a romantic proposal before the prince himself, even practical Theo finds herself convinced of her soon-to-be duke's passion. Still, the tabloids give the marriage six months. Theo would have given it a lifetime... until she discovers that James desired not her heart, and certainly not her countenance, but her dowry.

Potent Pleasures: The Pleasures Trilogy, Book 1

Reckless desire sends Charlotte Daicheston into the garden with a dashing masked stranger. He's powerful and unforgettable, a devastatingly handsome footman who lures her - not against her will - into a grand indiscretion at a masquerade ball. Then he vanishes. Several years later, after Charlotte has made her dazzling debut in London society, they meet again. But the rogue is no footman. He's rich, titled, and he doesn't remember Charlotte. Worse, he's the subject of some scandalous gossip.

Four Nights with the Duke

As a young girl, Emilia Gwendolyn Carrington told the annoying future duke of Pindar that she would marry any man in the world before him - so years later she is horrified to realize that she has nowhere else to turn.

My American Duchess

The arrogant Duke of Trent intends to marry a well-bred Englishwoman. The last woman he would ever consider marrying is the adventuresome Merry Pelford - an American heiress who has infamously jilted two fiancés. But after one provocative encounter with the captivating Merry, Trent desires her more than any woman he has ever met. He is determined to have her as his wife, no matter what it takes. And Trent is a man who always gets what he wants.

The Duke and I

Simon Basset, the irresistible Duke of Hastings, has hatched a plan to keep himself free from the town's marriage-minded society mothers. He pretends to be engaged to the lovely Daphne Bridgerton. After all, it isn't as if the brooding rogue has any real plans to marry - though there is something about the alluring Miss Bridgerton that sets Simon's heart beating a bit faster. And as for Daphne, surely the clever debutante will attract some very worthy suitors now that it seems a duke has declared her desirable.

Do You Want to Start a Scandal

On the night of the Parkhurst ball, someone had a scandalous tryst in the library. Was it Lord Canby, with the maid, on the divan? Or Miss Fairchild, with a rake, against the wall? Perhaps the butler did it. All Charlotte Highwood knows is this: It wasn't her. But rumors to the contrary are buzzing. Unless she can discover the lovers' true identity, she'll be forced to marry Piers Brandon, Lord Granville - the coldest, most arrogantly handsome gentleman she's ever had the misfortune to embrace.

How to Capture a Duke: Matchmaking for Wallflowers, Book 1

Fiona Amberly is more intrigued by the Roman ruins near her manor house than she is by balls. When her dying grandmother worries about Fiona's future, Fiona stammers that she's secretly engaged. Soon she finds herself promising that she will introduce her husband-to-be by Christmas.

A Scot in the Dark: Scandal & Scoundrel, Book II

Miss Lillian Harwood has lived much of her life alone in a gilded cage, longing for love and companionship. When an artist offers her pretty promises and begs her to pose for a scandalous portrait, Lily doesn't hesitate...until the lying libertine leaves her in disgrace. With the painting now public, Lily has no choice but to turn to the one man who might save her from ruin.

The Rogue Not Taken: Scandal & Scoundrel, Book 1

When Sophie, the least interesting of the Talbot sisters, lands her philandering brother-in-law backside first in a goldfish pond in front of all society, she becomes the target of very public aristocratic scorn. Her only choice is to flee London, vowing to start a new life far from the aristocracy. Unfortunately, the carriage in which she stows away isn't saving her from ruin. It's filled with it.

The Lady Most Likely...: A Novel in Three Parts

Hugh Dunne, the Earl of Briarly, needs a wife, so his sister hands him a list of delectable damsels and promises to invite them and a few other gentlemen to her country house for what is sure to be the event of the season.

Miss Wonderful: Carsington Brothers, Book 1

War hero Alistair Carsington really really loves women, and his romantic impulses have landed him in nearly as much danger as the Battle of Waterloo. To avoid his usual temptations and perhaps even repay the friend who saved his life, he's exiled himself to a place far from civilization - Derbyshire - in winter! Fate laughs at his good intentions and drives him straight into conflict with Miss Mirabel Oldridge, his match in tenacity, intelligence, and deviousness - who also happens to be wildly irresistible.

Not Quite a Lady: Carsington Brothers Series

Darius Carsington is a spectacularly attractive rake, who's all brains and brawn...and no heart; a man who's equally expert at bedding loose-moraled women and writing scholarly papers. He finds society's "perfect darlings" exceedingly boring. Then why is he so intrigued by the supposedly faultless Lady Charlotte Hayward? Darius senses a crack under her polished surface - and finding it is a challenge he can't resist.

Romancing the Duke: Castles Ever After

As the daughter of a famed author, Isolde Ophelia Goodnight grew up on tales of brave knights and fair maidens. She never doubted romance would be in her future, too. The storybooks offered endless possibilities. And as she grew older, Izzy crossed them off. One by one by one....Now Izzy's given up yearning for romance. She'll settle for a roof over her head. What fairy tales are left over for an impoverished 26-year-old woman who's never even been kissed?

The Lion's Daughter

Gorgeous, stubborn Esme Brentmor, daughter of a disgraced lord, is used to a wild, dangerous life among the tribes of Albania, to whom her father is the legendary, controversial Red Lion whose death she's courageously vowed to avenge - even if it leads to her own. Instead, her quest finds her rescued by the most unlikely (and very reluctant) hero! Lazy and spoiled, Lord Varian St. George has gambled away his heritage and lives on his considerable looks, charm and wits.

A Rogue by Any Other Name

A decade ago, the Marquess of Bourne was cast from society with nothing but his title. Now a partner in London's most exclusive gaming hell, the cold, ruthless Bourne will do whatever it takes to regain his inheritance - including marrying perfect, proper Lady Penelope Marbury. A broken engagement and years of disappointing courtships have left Penelope with little interest in a quiet, comfortable marriage, and a longing for something more. How lucky that her new husband has access to an unexplored world of pleasures.

Marrying Winterborne

Savage ambition has brought common-born Rhys Winterborne vast wealth and success. In business and beyond, Rhys gets exactly what he wants. And from the moment he meets the shy, aristocratic Lady Helen Ravenel, he is determined to possess her. If he must take her virtue to ensure she marries him, so much the better....

Lady Sophia's Lover

Lady Sophia Sydney would do anything to ensnare the unattainable Sir Ross Cannon. Her goal - to ruin his reputation and cause a scandal that would be the talk of all London. So she insinuates herself into his life by gaining his trust and living in his house.Every morning, her lush presence tempts him beyond all reason... the way she bends over the table to serve him the meals she has prepared...the way her hands oh, so gently - yet sensuously - brush against him. She knows he is falling more in love with her each day.

Someone to Love: A Westcott Novel, Book 1

Anna Snow grew up in an orphanage in Bath knowing nothing of the family she came from. Now she discovers that the late Earl of Riverdale was her father and that she has inherited his fortune. She is also overjoyed to learn she has siblings. However, they want nothing to do with her or her attempts to share her new wealth. But the new earl's guardian is interested in Anna.

Publisher's Summary

Forced by her stepmother to attend a ball, Kate meets a prince...and decides he's anything but charming. A clash of wits and wills ensues, but they both know their irresistible attraction will lead nowhere. For Gabriel is promised to another woman—a princess whose hand in marriage will fulfill his ruthless ambitions.

Gabriel likes his fiancee, which is a welcome turn of events, but he doesn't love her. Obviously, he should be wooing his bride-to-be, not the witty, impoverished beauty who refuses to fawn over him.

Godmothers and glass slippers notwithstanding, this is one fairy tale in which destiny conspires to destroy any chance that Kate and Gabriel might have a happily ever after.

First of all, I read romance novels to escape, not for historical accuracy. I liked both the hero, heroine and their interactions in this story. The narrator was great at giving distinctive voices for each character.

I absolutely loved this book. It was such an easy listen and the story was very sweet. It's definitely a grown-up "fairytale" and NOT a historical romance. There isn't much of a plot but it's still a fun and enjoyable read. The narrator was amazing!! I was happy to learn there are more books in this series....I can't wait for the next one.

Firstly, to comment on the narrator; I normally find myself struggling to ignore the narration, but this reader is better than most I've listened to with one criticism. I didn't care for Gabriel's accent. I don't know if it is an accurate one for Warl-Marburg-Baalsfeld but I found it distracting and would have prefered more feelings than accent. but maybe that's just me.
As far as the story, it is a nice light take on the traditional cinderella fairy tale, with characters one can grow to like. the hero is a bit on the self centered side and the heroine not so perfect herself, but you can see the characters develop sutlely and they have nice dimension. I must admit, I liked some of the secondary characters as much as the main characters, particularly Wick and Harry and especially the "rats". I didn't quite understand the pickle eating dog referances, but those minor details aside, I enjoyed this audio book over all.

What a great version of the Cinderella story. It's a new take on the story, more adult, more intense, equally romantic. I must admit that the first half of this book dragged a bit, too long with nothing significant happening. If you start getting bored, please keep listening because it will be worth it. The second half Of the book is amazing!! Oh what a heartbreaking love story! A bit of Cinderella, a bit of Romeo and Juliet, a bit of Kamasutra!!! I recommend it.

Narration: this is the first book I've listened to by Susan Duerden. She's definitely not on my favorite narrators list. Her male voices are not good. She would almost whisper to make some characters sound different and I didn't like that. Also her English accent is so strong that parts of the story where difficult to understand. Even though I didn't particularly like this narrator I would listen to other books that feature her to see if she gets better.

This is my first book by E. James, and it won't be my last because I thoroughly enjoyed it. I liked the characters, the plot and the slow reveal of information about the characters that kept me reading to see what would happen next. I mean, of course you know the end of the story since it's based on Cinderella, but it was nonetheless enjoyable to see this author's spin on that tale. The characters did and said things you hoped they would do and there was fun throughout. There was flirtation, daring and building passion that led to a sweet romance. I'd definitely recommend this book to historical romance readers.

I almost give up listening after the first chapter, a little slow in the beginning, a then it got better. I end it up falling in love with the characters, the narrator is very good and the story line is like a fairy tale. Can't wait to listen to the next one.

I loved this book more than I ever expected. It is utterly compelling, enchanting, overwhelming, heartbreaking, sexy and simply PERFECT. It stirred all my emotions, from sadness and despair to exhiliration and euphoria!

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! The best of Eloisa James. Excellent narration by Ms. Duerden.

Skeptical of yet another Cinderella story, I decided to purchase this book. I am pleased to say that I enjoyed every minute of listening to it. I'll have to admit this is one of E James's better books I have read recently. Contrary to my expectations, I feel she did an amazing job of building charecters and story telling with a twist of humor. Great job and unexpected!!!!

What really impressed me about this book was the narration. This is the first time I've heard a female narrator get the male voice right. The main character, the Prince in this novel sounds truly sexy and believable. Men talk in shorter sentences with a difference cadance, I believe. This narrator did more than just lower her voice. The story is also entertaining and takes a different approach to the Cinderella story.